Necromancer Academy’s Genius Summoner - Chapter 54

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Summoning Prodigy of the Necromancer School — Chapter 54
It was shocking news.
At the end of each semester, all students remaining in the lowest-ranked squad in the Duel Evaluation would be expelled—regardless of academic standing, a fixed ten percent of the entire student body would be dropped each semester.
Since you needed to pass through two semesters to advance to second year, it meant nearly twenty percent of students could leave Kizen based solely on Duel Evaluation rankings across those two terms.
Jane continued her explanation.
“Squad promotions and demotions are decided by wins and losses alone. Of course, the scoring weight of the Duel Evaluation differs for each squad. Points earned from victory in a lower squad are smaller than points earned from defeat against a higher squad. You must aim unconditionally at advancing to a higher squad.”
She set down the chalk in her hand and turned to face the students.
“A question for you: Can anyone tell me the difference between the Real Combat—the Monster Battle we conducted last time—and this 1v1 Combat?”
To that question, a hand shot up faster than anyone else—snap!
“Jamie Victoria.”
“Yes, Professor! I’m Jamie Victoria! In Monster Battles, we’re in the position of devising strategy and conquering the enemy, but in 1v1 Combat, the difference is that the opponent can also attack and conquer us!”
Jane nodded and turned her gaze to another student.
“Hector Muir.”
This time, Hector, who already had his hand raised, stood from his seat. It felt like a massive hill rising up abruptly.
“Unlike Monster Battles, in 1v1 Combat the range of Black Magic we can use becomes limited.”
“Can you explain more specifically?”
“Techniques that take a long time to cast, techniques with predictable trajectories or slow projectile speeds, trap-type magical formations installed on the ground—all become difficult to land in 1v1 Combat, so their use is restricted. Similarly.”
Hector’s eyes shifted.
His gaze was directed toward Simon, who sat far away.
“Summoning Magic from Summoning studies is also ineffective in 1v1 Combat. The countermeasures are clear, and the opponent can ignore the summoned creature and attack the caster directly.”
“Excellent.”
When Jane gestured, Hector bowed respectfully and took his seat.
“The important points have mostly been covered. In truth, if you looked properly, there would be dozens, even hundreds of differences between Monster Battles and 1v1 Combat. Now then—can anyone explain why I’m going to such lengths with these obvious points?”
……
The room fell silent as a grave.
“From this week onward, you must change your way of thinking.”
Jane tapped her forehead gently with her index finger.
“It would be troublesome if you’re still lingering in the aftermath of the Cyclops. Loosen the screws in your head and overturn your habits and preconceptions. No one is going to agonize over this for you. As you attend lessons, keep thinking continuously about how to use the cards you possess to attack and overcome your classmates.”
“Yes, Professor!”
The students answered with vigor.
“And.”
Jane smiled faintly.
Simon, listening to the lecture, felt an involuntary chill run down his spine.
How could a person wear such a terrifying smile?
“I am the Vice-Chancellor of Kizen, but as the instructor responsible for Class A, I believe I have done my utmost. Running simulations through Avalon, conducting Real Combat against the Cyclops—among all fourteen first-year classes, only Class A has had such experiences.”
Simon nodded. He was genuinely grateful for such remarkable opportunities.
But why was she suddenly saying this…?
“Let me be clear: I cannot even imagine the existence of another class above the Class A I oversee.”
Sparks of intensity flashed in Jane’s eyes, which were normally so cold.
“Though a Vice-Chancellor has come down to first year, I trust you will not embarrass me.”
‘……Ah, so that’s what this was about.’
The professors didn’t show it outwardly, but in fact they were quite sensitive to the grades of their own classes.
Especially the Duel Evaluation—it was a system where all classes from A to N competed against each other, and the results of which class performed well and which performed poorly became immediately and unmistakably clear.
“Professor Jane!!”
That was when Dick, seated next to Simon, stood up with a face flushed with excitement.
“Don’t you worry, Professor! I’ll do my best so you can walk around with your shoulders held high!”
Merin was startled and yanked at the hem of his clothes.
“Hey! Hey! Sit down! Don’t be embarrassing us like this!”
“Let’s go! Class A fighting!!”
Laughter erupted from all around.
In the midst of it, several boys caught the competitive spirit and cheered in response to Dick’s words.
“Class A fighting, they say.”
“Our kids are so adorable.”
The Teaching Assistants whispered among themselves and giggled.
They had always worked alongside Jane with third-year students who were precociously mature, but dealing with first-years this year, who seemed like chicks, had a new charm to it.
Jane regarded Dick with an expressionless face.
“Dick Hayward.”
“Yes, Professor!”
“You are my greatest concern.”
Wahahahahaha!
This time the entire class burst into laughter. Dick, overcome by embarrassment a moment too late, scratched his head and sank back into his seat.
“Damn it, I hate this. You’re so embarrassing.”
Merin beside him buried her face in her palms in sympathy.
“While we’re on the subject, let me offer some counsel: Dick’s Enchantment technique is quite excellent. However, the real question is how he’ll get that enchanted weapon to actually reach his opponent. He’d have decent chances against a Martial Arts student, but if he faces a Bloodline Magic student specialized in ranged attacks, he’ll crumble without landing a single blow.”
The observation was painfully accurate, and Dick nodded grimly.
“I want each of you to consider your own strengths and weaknesses, and think about what you need to improve for one-on-one combat.”
“Yes!”
Jane descended from the podium and gestured toward the Teaching Assistants. They scrambled into motion.
“Then, let’s move locations.”

* * *
Class A headed for the Indoor Training Grounds in the adjacent building.
Jane’s reason for bringing the students there was straightforward.
“From now on, you’ll each train freely, assess your main specialties, and think about which Black Magic techniques you’ll use in one-on-one combat. The Teaching Assistants will be moving around, so ask if you have any questions.”
At the word “free training,” the students scattered like they’d been waiting for it.
Some students practiced Black Magic spells directly, running mental simulations, while others sat down and wrote out damage tables line by line.
Mock duels between students were also possible if they wished. The Teaching Assistants were lending out Protective Vests similar to the ones used in the Cyclops battle.
Meanwhile, Simon stood alone with his back against a wall, wrestling with the question Hector had posed.
-Summoning Magic from Summoning isn’t effective in one-on-one combat either. The counters are obvious, and opponents can simply ignore the summons and attack the summoner directly.
True enough—the opponent would relentlessly target Simon alone. Moreover, it was questionable whether slow-moving Skeletons, even with the Dark Element activated, could keep pace with students charging forward at speed.
Crash!
Just as Simon’s thoughts deepened, a Skeleton suddenly crumpled beside him.
“Oh! I’m sorry! Did I startle you?”
A boy with a bowl-cut rushed over and began gathering bone fragments into a box. Simon crouched down and helped collect the pieces.
“I’ll help.”
“Oh, thanks!”
The boy glanced at Simon’s face. His initial surprise quickly gave way to a warm, delighted smile.
“Simon, right?”
“Yeah.”
His eyes lit up.
“I’m Toto Amori! I watched that Cyclops battle last time—it really impressed me! I’m a Summoning student too, and my heart was just pounding, you know?”
Simon smiled broadly. After putting all the Skeleton’s bone fragments into the box, he stood up.
“Are you planning to use this Skeleton in the Duel Evaluation?”
“Well, that’s…….”
Toto scratched the side of his head with an uncertain smile.
“Honestly, I don’t have a choice. I’m good at Summoning and got into Kizen because of it, but I’m terrible at everything else.”
Having said that, Toto looked up at Simon.
“I’m jealous of you, Simon.”
“……?”
“You’re strong at Martial Arts. You’ve got real talent in Curse Magic too, it seems…….”
Simon blinked.
“But I’m a Summoning student too.”
“That’s exactly why I’m jealous. To survive as a Summoning student, you have to be good at subjects that give you advantages in one-on-one combat, like Martial Arts or Curse Magic.”
Simon crossed his arms.
“So what you’re saying is that Summoning isn’t very effective in one-on-one combat.”
“Right. Not at first, anyway. Summoning takes more time to develop.”
Just then, Toto noticed a female student from his squad waving at him. He waved back and said,
“Well, I should go.”
“Work hard.”
Watching Toto’s retreating figure, Simon fell into thought.
‘Summoning is weak in one-on-one combat.’
Of course, things would be different if he summoned an entire legion and swept them all away, but that was impossible. All Simon could use in the Duel Evaluation were three Skeleton summons.
After Toto left, Simon remained alone against the wall, pondering and pondering.
“My, you look like you have a lot on your mind~”
Noticing Simon’s troubled expression, one of the Teaching Assistants approached with a cheerful smile.
Simon, startled, quickly bowed in greeting.
“What’s wrong? I spent nearly two years at Kizen, so feel free to ask me anything.”
“Well, that is…….”
Simon gave an awkward smile and scratched his head.
“I’m struggling with how I should fight in one-on-one combat.”
“Heh heh.”
She folded her arms.
“In my experience, when you’re in doubt like this, it’s best to jump in and try it yourself.”
“…I’m sorry?”
She handed him a protective vest.
“Put it on. I’ll spar with you directly.”
Before Simon could protest, he found himself in a mock duel with the Teaching Assistant. The two of them moved to a spacious corner of the Indoor Training Grounds to avoid disturbing the other students, then faced off.
“You can see the Barrier Gauge on the vest—it’s marked with blue lines. See them?”
“Yes, I see it.”
An impromptu match against the Teaching Assistant, of all things.
Simon felt both bewildered and tense.
“Don’t be too nervous. I’m only going to use first-year level Black Magic. Are you ready?”
“Yes!”
“Then, here I come!”
She opened her palm. Dark Element rose like heat shimmer, forming four magical circles in the air.
Simon’s eyes gleamed as he watched.
‘Ebony Arrows.’
He’d learned about them in Black Magic Theory class.
One of the most fundamental attack methods using Dark Element. Most first-years used it as a ranged harassment technique—a standard skill taught to the entire year.
‘She really is only using first-year level basics.’
The Teaching Assistant swept her arm outward, and three Ebony Arrows hurtled toward him. Simon braced himself, quickly tracked their trajectories, and threw his body into motion.
Thud-thud-thud!
Three arrows buried themselves in the floor.
‘…!’
But the fourth arrow was already racing straight toward his path.
It was impossible to change direction suddenly. Simon gritted his teeth and reached out.
Whoosh!
A Short Sword erupted from the Subspace at his feet. He grabbed it and swung, batting the arrow away.
“Oh! Not bad at all~”
“Now it’s my turn!”
Three Skeletons burst from the Subspace and charged the Teaching Assistant. She cast Ebony Arrows again, sending them flying, and Simon’s eyes widened.
‘Dodge right!’
Crack! Crack!
The Skeletons moved with surprising agility. One took a hit, but the other two dodged successfully and closed the distance to her.
“Hmm~”
She clenched her fist. Her seemingly delicate hand tinted faintly black.
Whoosh!
She ducked under the Skeleton’s thrusting weapon and extended her fist.
When her punch struck the Skeleton’s torso dead center, bones scattered in all directions with a thunderous crack. Then she dropped low and drove her elbow into the skull of the second Skeleton approaching from behind, shattering it.
‘Ah!’
“Are you just going to stand there dumbfounded?”
Thump!
Simon’s abdomen buckled backward. Somehow a dark, streaking flash had pierced through his chest and passed through.
‘Damn it!’
Exgust curse!
His body suddenly grew heavy.
‘I was careless. I could have dodged that!’
While engaging the Skeleton, the Teaching Assistant had naturally drawn Simon’s attention, and with her other hand hidden behind her back, she’d prepared the Exgust curse.
She’d timed it perfectly—striking at the exact moment when the Skeleton shattered and Simon suffered mental shock.
‘She’s only using basics too, but… her experience is on a different level!’
Simon gritted his teeth.
“Well, the Skeleton’s gone and the curse is on you. This is the perfect chance to eliminate the summoner, wouldn’t you say?”
Narrating with composure, she charged toward Simon. He quickly summoned three more Skeletons from his Subspace to intercept her.
‘Hold the line!’
The moment the Skeletons closed the gap between them—
Boom!
Dark Element erupted from her legs like a jet blast, and she vaulted clean over the Skeletons in an instant.
‘Ebony Stepping martial arts technique!’
Soaring over the Skeletons, she struck downward through the air, descending toward Simon the summoner.
“Thanks to the Barrier, it won’t hurt!”
Her fist came driving down at a vicious speed.
Simon’s eyes flashed. He folded his shoulders inward and deflected her descending punch with a fluid, water-like motion.
‘Hmph.’
He’d known from the start that this student was skilled in Martial Arts.
The Teaching Assistant’s lips curved upward. She opened her left hand with a subtle flourish, revealing a Dark Element Arrow spell formation drawn on her palm, aimed squarely at Simon’s head.
‘This should finish it……!’
That moment.
She felt a chill crawl across her entire body.
Simon’s right shoulder didn’t merely fold—it twisted excessively and rotated, while his right heel lifted and his left foot came cutting in from the opposite diagonal at impossible velocity.
‘Not a block……!’
The edge of her left foot, visible in her field of vision, had become a black flash of immeasurable speed, sweeping across her face.
‘Rotation Kick!’
Boom!
Simon’s leg traced a vicious arc as it passed through where her head had been.
The shockwave radiated outward, and students practicing nearby jumped in alarm, turning to stare at the two of them.
Simon himself was equally startled by what had just happened.
‘I thought it would connect cleanly, but my leg just passed straight through her head?’
Both of them froze for a moment, then quickly stepped apart.
“Ah, I…… I’m sorry.”
The Teaching Assistant bowed her head in apology.
“I said I’d only use basic Black Magic, but before I realized it, I’d activated Spirit Possession—my specialty. Ah ha ha…… let’s call this mock duel a draw.”
“Thank you, instructor.”
Simon bowed his head respectfully.
And it was then that the Teaching Assistant stared at the crown of Simon’s head with an expression as if she’d seen a ghost.
‘What is this kid…… he’s terrifying.’
If that kick had landed properly without the Protective Vest, wouldn’t it have sent her straight to the afterlife?
The Teaching Assistant swallowed hard.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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